Lot 200

Hogenberg, A volume of plates depicting the Dutch War of Independence, [Cologne, c. 1570-1600], modern vellum

Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500 GBP

Lot Sold:2,250GBP

Description

HOGENBERG, FRANS [AND ABRAHAM HOGENBERG]

Etchings of scenes from the Dutch War of Independence against the Spanish, covering the years 1567-1594. [Cologne, c. 1570-1600]

oblong folio (255 x 330mm.), 158 engraved plates with integral captions in German verse (a few also with French captions, one plate with letterpress verses below), modern vellum with modern manuscript title-page, card slipcase, occasional light staining, a few plates worn at edges, last few plates frayed at edges and laid down, lacking letterpress leaf of text at start; sold as a collection of plates not subject to return

Hogenberg (1535-1590) was sympathetic to the Reformation and fled from Antwerp to Cologne, where he set up a printing shop. This volume contains several different series of plates, the first of which was originally issued with a letterpress title, Kurtzer bericht dess jenigen was sich ihm Niderlandt in Religions sachen und sunst von Anno MDLXVI biss auff diss Gegenwertigen siebentzigsten Jars zugetragen hat mitt sampt dem Krich zwisshen Duca d. Alba und dem Printzen zu Vranien (not here present). Hogenberg and his son Abraham produced several series of these Geschichtsblätter from 1570 to 1610, some of which covered contemporary events in England and France. They are considered important early sources of contemporary news because of the continuous nature of their publication.

The plates include town views and maps of the Spanish Netherlands and naval battles, providing fascinating period detail of buildings and costumes as well as the events of the war. The plate showing the assassination of William of Orange (10 July 1584; New Hollstein B201) is the only plate to contain Hogenberg's name. Not all the plates are by him, and the final four plates in this set are dated to 1592-1594, i.e. after Franz Hogenberg's death in 1590.

This set comprises plates from series V-X of Hogenberg's etchings of the Wars of Religion, in varying states. Three of the plates lacking from series VIII detailed monks being executed for sodomy.

Condition Report

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.